PCS vows to fight on over Independent Living Fund

The PCS has pledged ongoing support to the campaign to save the Independent Living Fund after a judge ruled yesterday the government’s decision to scrap it was lawful.

The union says closing the ILF would put thousands of disabled people at risk of losing the support they rely on to keep more control over their own lives.

Under the government’s plan, responsibility would pass to local authorities but funding would not be ringfenced. The union believes cuts to council budgets, and the loss of experienced ILF staff, will mean more people being placed in residential care or left at home without adequate support.

Speaking in Parliament in June, minister for disabled people Mike Penning said he “could not guarantee people’s future independence would not be compromised”.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “Today’s ruling is a crushing blow for disabled people who rely on ILF support to maintain the kind of independence the rest of us take for granted.
“We will fight on and continue to support the campaign to keep this lifeline open.”